190 AUDUBON THE NATURALIST. 
continue the migration alone. At this season, 
the beauty of their plumage, as well as the 
elegance of their motions, is much increased, 
their notes flow forth in rapturous intricate har- 
mony of soul-moving joy, and the grace of every 
external indication proves the refining, eleva- 
ting influence of the passion which thrills their 
breasts. 
A cavity scooped in the ground serves to 
form their nest. It is lined with the softest ver- 
durous substances, and matted leaves are placed 
around to conceal it. The meadow lark displays 
the utmost solicitude for its young, and an intui- 
tive benevolence seems to prevail with regard to 
this tender, loving bird, the farmer, while cutting 
his hay, always, it is said, respecting the tuft in 
which its nest is placed, which is seldom de- 
stroyed by children even. 
Frequenting the vicinity of ies sea, the shore 
lark is found on the high wild tracts of Labrador. 
Amidst the curious vegetation of this inclement 
land, where from out gorgeous cliffs clad with 
dangling snow-drifts furious cataracts pour to- 
wards the plain, it seeks a home. Amongst the 
mosses and lichens which, in snowy tufts or tinted 
embroidery of green, cover the dark granitic- 
looking expanse of the country, the shore lark 
paces her nest so carefully, as to make it appear 
a part of the natural vegetation, the similarity 
